Making a difference, one starfish at a time

Editor's note: This is the third in a series of stories with an introduction from Nancy Jernigan at the United Way highlighting volunteers and agencies who are active in or funded by the United Way of Southeast Missouri. To get involved, visit the United Way online at www.unitedwayofsemo.org, at its offices at 430A Broadway or by phone at 334-9634.

In an attempt to better understand community needs, the United Way of Southeast Missouri formed several focus committees in 2003. One of these committees was focused on emergency needs of individuals and families in the area. After realizing the gap in services existed among the population that was chronically in need of services and financial support to meet monthly expenses, Love INC was identified as a solution.

Love INC (In the Name of Christ) is an effort to mobilize the church members to respond to the needs of families in their community by offering their individual talents and support. Carpenters, mechanics, plumbers and financial advisers have expertise needed among many in our community. In addition, churches are filling specific gaps through special ministries such as "Casseroles To Go," providing hot meals to families in need; "Care & Share," providing furniture when a family has none; "Transportation Assistance," to help people get to work; and the "Work Boot Ministry," to specifically provide expensive steel-toed boots to individuals to facilitate their employment.

Teresa Ruppel was born in Cape Girardeau and lived in Oklahoma and Nebraska, moved back to Jackson and has been volunteering for around 30 years. She has been helping with Love INC for the past two years. She took a moment to answer the question "What does volunteering and Love INC" mean to you?"

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There is a story about a man who was walking along a beach the morning after a storm had passed through. The sand was littered with starfish that had been washed ashore. The man noticed a young boy picking up starfish and throwing them into the water and he asked the boy what he was doing. The boy explained that the sun was coming up and it would kill the starfish if they didn't get back into the ocean.

The man laughed and said, "There are thousands of starfish on miles of beach, you can't possibly make a difference." As the boy picked up another starfish and threw it back into the ocean he said, "Well, it sure will make a difference to that one."

My name is Teresa Ruppel, and I have been a volunteer through Love INC for two years. Growing up, I remember the people who touched my life through a kind word or a thoughtful action. Those experiences helped me to learn that even a seemingly simple action can have a profound and lasting, positive impact.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am called to love others as much as I love myself. Love INC helps me to do this by providing opportunities to show the love of Jesus in practical, action-oriented ways. One of the beautiful things of Love INC is that each volunteer's particular skills and talents are matched up with a need. There is no pressure to do things you don't know how to do or to do more than you can. Love INC works with what you have to offer.

Because of what I can offer, I asked to be part of the prayer ministry. I receive weekly e-mails with prayer requests. I also receive e-mail updates of specific needs such as providing a pair of shoes for a disabled man. This summer instead of receiving cards and gifts for my birthday, underwear was collected for underprivileged grade school children.

I am also matched with clients who are in need of emotional and spiritual support through prayer and companionship. Through my volunteer work, I have learned to be more compassionate and empathic, and I have developed a deeper appreciation for my life.

I want to be clear that the work is not about me -- it's about God. I feel humbled and blessed that God works through me to touch the lives of people within our community and I am deeply touched to be a part of their lives. And I am grateful to the United Way for helping to fund this worthwhile organization. So just like the boy with the starfish, I encourage you to take action to do what you can to make a difference -- Love INC can help you do it.